FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kennesha Baldwin
Heart Rhythm Society
(202) 464-3476
kbaldwin@HRSonline.org
Cindy Rahman: (703) 283-8499
Heart Rhythm 2011 Press Room: (415) 978-3514 (this phone number active through Saturday, May 7, 1:00 p.m. PT)
Heart Rhythm Society Statement on New Guidance Document for Society Members Pertaining to Interactions with Industry
The Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) convened the Relationships with Industry Task Force on October 18, 2010, to consider the importance of collaborating with industry and to establish guidelines to avoid conflicts or potential misunderstandings. The Task Force compiled an industry guidance document for HRS and its members, which will be presented on May 5, 2011, at Heart Rhythm 2011, the Heart Rhythm Society’s 32nd Annual Scientific Sessions.
Guidance for the Heart Rhythm Society Pertaining to Interactions with Industry: Download guidance document (PDF, 155K, updated June 30, 2011)
As stated in the document, HRS is dedicated to improving the care of patients by promoting research, education and optimal health care policies and standards. To ensure HRS is able to continue to work towards this mission, the Task Force recognized that collaboration between physicians, scientists, allied professionals, government agencies and industry must continue. Technological advancements and procedural improvements have resulted from a strong collaboration between these groups, and more specifically, between physicians and industry. This relationship is critical to the continued growth of the field of electrophysiology. However, it is important to set guidelines pertaining to interactions with industry, as there is always the potential for conflict of interest with industry-physician collaboration.
“The outcomes of this Task Force reinforce the importance of collaboration with industry to advance our field and provide the best possible care, however, it is critical that industry-physician partnerships are monitored closely and remain unbiased,” said Douglas Packer, MD, FHRS, president of the Heart Rhythm Society. “The Heart Rhythm Society understands the sensitivities that exist with these complex situations and will continue to play an active role in providing its members with appropriate guidance.”
The Task Force ultimately concluded that “collaboration with industry on research and innovation is required to achieve the HRS mission.” In addition, the Task Force found it is necessary to ensure that strict ethical standards are followed to protect the credibility of HRS and its members, and therefore, identified 11 sections outlining guidance for members when working with industry. The sections include:
- Why Collaborate with Industry?
- Separation of Governance from Industry
- Perspectives on Industry Funding Accepted by the HRS
- Disclosure of Relationships with Industry
- Research Grant Awards
- Continuing Medical Education (CME)
- Non-CME Content
- Endorsement or Support of International Meetings
- Industry Relations and Health Policy
- Scientific and Clinical Documents
- Publications
“Physicians, engineers, pharmaceutical and device companies are all working towards the same goal and collaboration is not only beneficial, but necessary,” stated Bruce L. Wilkoff, MD, FHRS, CCDS, president-elect of the Heart Rhythm Society. “There are many unsolved clinical problems and if we hope to improve patient outcomes then we need to use the entire skill set available.”
The complete guidance document will be published online on July 1, 2011 at HeartRhythm, the official journal of the Heart Rhythm Society: www.heartrhythmjournal.com.
Sessions details:
“Developing the Framework for Effective Relationships with Industry,” [May 5, 2011, 12:15 – 1:45p.m.
About Heart Rhythm 2011
Heart Rhythm 2011 takes place May 4-7, 2011 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, CA. The Society's Annual Scientific Sessions is the most comprehensive educational event on heart rhythm disorders, offering more than 250 educational opportunities in multiple formats. The world’s most renowned scientists and physicians will present a wide range of heart rhythm topics including cardiac resynchronization therapy, catheter ablation, cardiac pacing and heart failure as well as the latest technology, including state-of-the-art pacemakers and defibrillators.
About the Heart Rhythm Society
The Heart Rhythm Society is the international leader in science, education and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and patients, and the primary information resource on heart rhythm disorders. Its mission is to improve the care of patients by promoting research, education and optimal health care policies and standards. Incorporated in 1979 and based in Washington, DC, it has a membership of more than 5,300 heart rhythm professionals in more than 70 countries around the world.
